Heat Transfer and Thermodynamic Systems Researcher

Date Posted:

2026-09-16

 Country:

United States of America

 Location:

US-CT-EAST HARTFORD-RTRC K ~ 411 Silver Ln ~ RTRC K

 Position Role Type:

Hybrid

 U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

 Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

 Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

What You Will Do

Raytheon Technologies Research Center (RTRC) develops breakthrough technologies that power the world’s most advanced aerospace and defense products. As a Senior Research Engineer on our Heat Transfer or Thermodynamic Systems Team, you will lead advanced modeling, simulation, and system‑level analysis across a wide range of thermofluid and thermal‑management challenges. Your work will span multi‑physics, multi‑phase, and interfacial phenomena in complex geometries, supporting programs from microelectronics thermal management to next-generation propulsion systems.

Key responsibilities include:

Perform high‑fidelity and reduced‑order computational modeling of single‑ and two‑phase flows, including interfacial physics, phase change, and transient behavior

Develop and integrate multi‑physics simulations coupling thermal, fluid, structural, and thermomechanical responses

Create advanced computational cooling strategies for high‑heat‑flux electronics using microchannels, jet impingement, passive spreaders, heterogeneous integration, and phase‑change materials

Conduct design‑space exploration using machine learning, AI‑assisted modeling, uncertainty quantification, and other advanced optimization techniques

Perform parametric and topology optimization of thermal components such as heat sinks, cold plates, heat exchangers, and integrated flow channels

Model novel systems for next‑generation engines, space propulsion, undersea propulsion, waste‑heat recovery, power generation, and cryogenic cooling

Predict device reliability using thermomechanical modeling

Support (as a secondary responsibility) experimental efforts such as thermal testing, two‑phase flow loops, additively manufactured coupon evaluation, interface characterization, and system demonstrations

What You Will Learn

In this role, you will gain exposure to a broad set of cutting‑edge technologies and research practices across RTX. You will learn how to apply advanced computational approaches—multi‑physics modeling, machine learning, complex optimization—to real system‑level challenges. You will collaborate with experts in propulsion, microelectronics, power electronics, radar, avionics, sensors, and space systems, and you will gain experience shaping early‑stage research programs and contributing to externally funded initiatives.

Qualifications You Must Have

Minimum a Master’s degree Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering and minimum 3 years experience

or Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering and no formal experience

Minimum 1 year research experience in Heat Transfer or Thermodynamics

Qualifications We Prefer

Strong analytical modeling and programming skills

General understanding of FEA and CFD methods

Demonstrated experience publishing or presenting technical research

Exceptional computational modeling capability in multi‑physics, multi‑phase, and interfacial phenomena

Demonstrated ability to model complex geometry and highly coupled physical systems

Ability to manage uncertainty, formulate problems from ill-defined needs, and identify when additional SME expertise is required

Excellent communication skills and ability to foster strong technical collaborations

Experience developing or supporting externally funded research programs

Background in military operations analysis or wargaming (helpful for select project areas)

Hands‑on experience with thermal/fluid experiments, two‑phase systems, additive‑manufactured test coupons, or cryogenic hardware

What We Offer: Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.

Learn More & Apply Now

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.

If you live within a reasonable commute of an RTX site with other colleagues you interact with, your manager will discuss whether there is a degree of onsite presence associated with this role.

Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative